Kashi Vishwanath Temple Sees Four-Fold Increase In Donations

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, there was a decline in the number of devotees, but an unprecedented increase was recorded in subsequent years

Since the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor December 13, 2021, the number of devotees visiting the temple reached 16.22 crore by May 2024 and the income of the Trust too saw significant growth

The expansion and modernisation of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham made the shrine areas more accessible, attracting a growing number of Shiva devotees from all over the world with every passing day

Varanasi, June 24: The Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi has witnessed a record four-fold increase in donations, including by pilgrims from across the globe in the past seven years.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust CEO Vishwa Bhushan Mishra said the income of Kashi Vishwanath Dham from offerings, donations, tickets, and revenue from newly constructed buildings on the premises had increased four times in the past seven years.

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, there was a decline in the number of devotees, but an unprecedented increase was recorded in subsequent years.

The CEO said that the temple's annual income had earlier been Rs 20.14 crore, while in the recently concluded 2023-24 financial year, it rose to Rs 86.79 crore.

The expansion and modernisation of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham made the shrine areas more accessible, attracting a growing number of Shiva devotees from all over the world with every passing day.

After the renovation of the Dham, numerous facilities have been added and the ease of darshan has further boosted tourism in Kashi.

The holy city of Kashi has been a pilgrimage site for followers of Sanatan Dharm since time immemorial.

Kashi now offers world-class facilities and it has become easier to reach the city from every part of the globe, increasing the influx of devotees.

(IANS)

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We Were Fortunate To Get Virat Kohli's Wicket On That Delivery, Says William O'Rourke

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Bengaluru, Oct 18: New Zealand pacer William O'Rourke feels that he was fortunate to take Virat Kohli's dismissal on the ball which was going down the leg in the first Test against India on Thursday.

Kohli departed on a nine-ball duck as he edged the ball which was taken by Glenn Phillips at the leg gully on the second day in Bengaluru. India had an abysmal outing in the first innings under overcast conditions as they were bowled out for just 46 runs, their lowest-ever Test score at home and their third-lowest in history.

"I think just with my angle back in, having that leg gully in place was meant to bring him into play. It was obviously an attacking option for us. We were fortunate to get the wicket. I don’t think that was exactly the delivery I intended, but it worked and I got his wicket, so I’m happy about it," O'Rourke told JioCinema.

The weather conditions and moisture on the pitch supported Kiwi seamers and O'Rourke said he felt like playing at home. "Very similar to the conditions back home. I think we weren't expecting too much assistance in the morning. We were probably going to bat as well if we won the toss. So, it was nice to see the ball nipping around, and I could just run in and do my thing," the pacer said.

"I think we were excellent in the field today. A few diving chances and I think that's what we pride ourselves on. We probably haven't been as good as we wanted to be in the last few Tests. So, coming out here and putting on a show like that was really special," he added.

Playing for the first time in India, O'Rourke returned with the figures of 4-22 in his 12 overs and credited the Sri Lanka series for getting a sense of the subcontinental conditions.

"It’s my first time playing in the subcontinent so it’s obviously a little bit different from back home, but playing those first two Tests in Sri Lanka really helped prepare me to come out here and just focus on doing my own thing," he said.

After dismissing India for a dismal total, the visitors ended day two on 180 for 3, leading by 134 runs. Devon Conway was the standout for the visitors, scoring 91 runs, while Will Young contributed 33. Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja bagged one scalp each but India face an uphill task to recover from their nightmare start in the series opener.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Sees Four-Fold Increase In Donations

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